Just returned from a trip to the local music store where I spent an interesting time with Fender Product Specialist Peter Davyduck.

We discussed short screws for string height adjustment at the bridge/tremolo, comparisons of American Standards, American Deluxes, and the Elites, and the weight of amps along with a brief mention of modelling. It's clear that the Elites have a characteristic that have made changes, mostly in a positive way. The neck from modern C to D and the heel are two considerations. But, we both agree it's a personal thing with playability and tone. The N4s should be able to be compatible with the recent American Deluxe N3 setup as wiring and such is said to be the same. They seem to be well accepted by others I know and are said to be more vintage Strat sounding.

As for amps, not much attention was given to modelling (except to say Mustangs are still a big seller), and more was given to how great Fender's Custom '57 hand wired Tweed amps are. They are said to have the old vibe. They are pricey, however. Meanwhile, the Mustang IV has a place in the family room.

I discussed weight and suggested that Fender would do themselves a favour if they could reduce it with the tube amps. He said Fender is aware of it. Some successful competitor amps have addressed it with well made lighter transformers, and other electronic changes along with lighter magnets on speakers. However, that (and along with the acoustics of the cabinets) has prevented Fender from moving into this area for what is the essential design for keeping the accepted Fender tone. It seems that the transformers are one of the weaker points in the weight loss. I guess it's the don't fix it if it ain't broken. Can't have the same tone with a weight reduction seems to be the answer of the day.

I saw the 2016 Special Edition Laquer Daphne Blue Strat with matching headstock. Nice. I also played the Sonoran, and for what it's worth - not bad.

Anyhow, that was a great way to start the day.
FSB
Apologies for the lengthy post. Thought you might like the info.

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

Sounds like a good day.. I just turned on the pre season game, NE vs NO.

Ceramic speaker magnets are the heaviest culprit it the whole amp weight issue, imo. As I age the value of alnico speakers keeps growing with me.

Speaking of tremolo bars, what is that trick you can do with the springs, or something to either lock it down, or tighten it to help keep it from detuning your guitar, or I guess typically a Strat, with that type of system? I remember a guitarist friend of mine did something years ago to his Strat to remedy that, but I don't remember what exactly. He did something to the back of it where those springs are.

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Is this what you meant, Paul?


The previous is only one method, however. Using a measured block of wood you need hardwood like maple not softwood like pine.

SRV method is to detune and slacken springs under the backplate first, using five springs, tighten the two spring claw plate screws against the body, and tune up.

There are other methods such as a different machined trem block replacement and/or a different spring replacement, but these are the general concept.

FYI


Then it gets wild with mods similar to this that can allow the trem to be blocked completely or partially or, perhaps, it becomes another method of free floating in both directions. You'll likely find more elsewhere in the Forum.



At the moment I'm watching Ethiopia break World record runs on the Olympic track.

Cheers!
FSB

One final note: Contrary to even what I thought, it is possible to have a setup where the trem can be floated and remain, for the most part, in tune within reason. I'm lucky to have a tech who has done just that. It must be said that playing technique will likely have some bearing though. YMMV

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

Actually squeezed some playing time with my Strat ad Strat XII last weekend. Doing laundry and bills now to free up some time on Saturday. I might actually record for the first time in years.

I'm watching the NFL Preseason Game, Dolphins at the Giants.

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"Electric Lady"

Following Yankees vs Rays and drinking coffee while I relax bafore the gig I'll play tonight

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Sérgio

thefenderforum.com

Watching the Olympics - Men's hoops. USA v. France

It's been awhile since we brought our A-team to the games.

Reading the Forum, listening to chill music.

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

Cussing the phone company (Frontier) for yet another several-days-long outage, and having to stay home all day to wait for them in case they show up.

Practicing bass side fingerplay while I wait, given that it's been a bit neglected.

Getting ready to watch "The Last Ship".

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"Electric Lady"

it's a favourite of ours too. Wasn't sure of it's return for another season, but glad it's back.

As for what I'm doing - I don't know. I haven't done it yet.
FSB

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

Yeah,........ it's good show. We're glad to see "Nashville" has been picked up by CMT for the new season! The Hell with ABC.

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"Electric Lady"

Sitting in an airport waiting for my flight to bring me to the next airport
mud

Pulling what hair I have left from my head in frustration.

I have a media PC that does everything I want it to and a whole lot more. It's my main DAW(s) machine and sits beside my year old analog mixer.

Problem is it's using Vista which has served me well since I'm not a gamer (I know- each to his own). The hardware cannot be upgraded to the evil Windows 10 because it precedes 2013. Present software varies.

I am intending to install a multi-track mixer for Strat, keyboard, drums, and vocal mikes to the setup. I was simply going to replace my present 2ch mixer with a multi-track that is pretty much identical with other improvements.

Now I have, via an associate of mine, an offer to get, when and if I'm ready, a far better bigger fully digital mixer (albeit used) that rocks.

So I am left with the choice of wrestling with Windows 10 and some minor connectivity issues, or fully migrating to Mac (Mrs. FSB has an iPad and I an iPhone), purchasing Apple add ons (from cables, adapters, and wifi considerations) knowing that Lightning, FireWire, Thunderbolt, and even mini USB (now that Super USB lurks) can find themselves at the thrift store eventually. Of course it's a toss up with present software, drivers, and support. Then there's an existing 24" FS monitor. a Windows friendly interface, and another short learning curve. Tape and old school standards were definitely simpler. Still . . .

Cheers! It's drink time.
FSB
I do not have a deadline. That works in my favour, so I'll keep my eyes and ears open for the best deal. Free would be nice.

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.